Recovery after hip replacement surgery can be further classified into short term and long term recovery. Typically for those who are keen to know how long the recovery after hip replacement surgery will take, the period is usually from 1 to 6 months for most individuals.
Recovery Period After Hip Replacement Surgery
- Short term recovery after total hip replacement surgery refers to the initial stages of recovery immediately after the surgery. Recovering after hip replacement surgery will require the individual to use a walker initially so that they are gradually able to stabilize themselves and not put too much pressure on the new hip joint. Short term recovery after a hip replacement surgery also includes weaning the individual off all major pain killers and being able to walk around the house on their own in a few days without any support. Typically, the period within which an individual reaches this stage after hip replacement surgery is anywhere between 4 to 7 weeks.
- On the other hand, the recovery period after hip replacement surgery in the long run can take almost 6 months. During this period of recovery post hip replacement surgery the internal soft tissues as well as the surgical wounds are required to heal completely. Thereafter the individual should be able to return to their daily routine. An individual is said to be recovering well after hip replacement surgery when they are able to resume at least some of their normal day to day activities.
- As part of the recovery post hip replacement surgery , the individual may also be kept under the guidance of a physiotherapist who will advise them on the various exercises that will help to strengthen the new hip as well as explain the various do's and don'ts post hip replacement surgery.
- While recovering after hip replacement surgery, the individual should ensure that whenever he turns around, he should take small steps. Furthermore he must not cross his legs together and he should also avoid lying on his side as this will put pressure on the hip especially in the early stages.
- Typically, as part of the recovery period after a hip replacement surgery, when the patient is discharged and is allowed to go home, they will initially find themselves getting tired very soon with minimal activity around the house. This is because the major tissues and muscles still need to heal. During the initial stages of recovery it may be a good idea to have a family member present to help out.
References
- http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hip-replacement/Pages/Recovery.aspx
- http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/recovering_from_hip_replacement_surgery/index.html
Submitted by N S on April 30, 2013 at 01:59